I recently read that the term “bookworm” comes from tiny insects that eat the bindings of books. I have always wondered about the origin of that term because I have been a “bookworm” all my life.
Ever since I could read well enough to enjoy reading, I have had my nose stuck in a book. I love reading mysteries, historical fiction, biographies, personal growth books, romances – really almost any type of book.
I find time to read, even when life is crazy. For example, I would sit and read while I was nursing my babies. Now I read every night before I go to sleep; in fact, I am not physically able to go to sleep without reading for at least a few minutes.
I have an ongoing list of books to read, and I visit my library regularly to check out the next title or two on my list (I always place a hold on them so that all I have to do is run in and pick them up – it’s a great time-saver and a great way to make sure you get the book you want rather that what is available on the shelf at the time).
I also have a Kindle (first edition, old Kindle that still runs like a champ) and add titles to it whenever I see some available for free or $0.99. A great resource for finding cheap books is Book Bub. I get a regular email (you can set the frequency that works for you) alerting me about books that are free or on sale.
I have been reading some great books over the last few months and want to share them with you!
This summer’s reading list:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Anne Shaffer
This book was recommended to me, and I have to admit that I was initially lukewarm about trying it due to the long title. However, I’m so glad that I was taught never to judge a book by its cover because it proved to be thoroughly engrossing!
The format of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is that of letters being written back and forth with historical fiction being throw in there. A beautifully written story set in Guernsey Island (which was occupied by the Nazi’s during World War II), this book highlights the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.
The Broken Road by Richard Paul Evans
The first book of a new trilogy, The Broken Road centers around the story of a man who comes from humble beginnings and ends up making millions. He had an abusive childhood and, escaped it to start over in life. Even though he seems to have everything, he has come to realize that he is really empty and has hurt people in his rise to the top.
I found this to be a quick read. It grabbed my attention quickly and held it through the entire book. I’m looking forward to the release of the 2nd book so that I can follow this character further.
White Jade (The Project Book Series) by Alex Lukeman
I love book series! I feel so much more connected to the characters when I get to read about them in multiple books. This series has been one that I recently enjoyed and have read the first 13 books and just found out there’s now a 14th book. I can’t wait to read it!
Alex Lukeman has given the characters in The Project Book series good depth. They are human – good, bad and ugly – while at the same time trying to avert crises and living with good intentions. You’ll find mystery, intrigue, poignancy, and humorous moments in each book. It took me about 4 months to read the first 13 books – that’s how much I enjoyed them!
The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P Young
I first read this book several years ago, and I have to say that it touched me on an incredibly deep level. So much so, in fact, that I’ve now read it more than once. Since the release of the new movie, and the fact that the book is always better than the movie (in my humble opinion), I felt it deserved to be included in this list.
If you haven’t read it, give it a shot. It’s wonderfully written and deeply thought-provoking. A true lesson in forgiveness for anyone going through the darkest of times. I laughed and I cried as I read this book, and I never regretted one second I spent reading it. I can’t recommend it enough.
See Me by Nicholas Sparks
I fell in love with Nicholas Sparks when I read (and watched) The Notebook. My own grandmother had Alzheimer’s, so I deeply connected with that story. Then I found out that Nicholas Sparks is from my home state of North Carolina, and he always sets his stories in North Carolina. Since I now live in Colorado, reading his books helps give me a little North Carolina fix as I can picture what he describes so vividly. There was no going back discovering this author – I am a huge Nicholas Sparks fan, so his recent book goes on the list!
See Me delivers. It is filled with romance (of course), mystery, intrigue, and plot twists. Nicholas Sparks added suspense to this novel, and it kept me reading and wanting more.
Still Left to Read:
A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
I must admit that I’m quite anxious to read this book. Both it and the recent movie sound amazing. With 4.8 stars on Amazing from over 4,500 reviews, I just have to believe this is an absolute winner.
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
I have heard so many great things about this book, and it gets wonderful reviews on Amazon. It’s on my list to read after A Dog’s Purpose!
There you have it…7 books that are must-reads this summer. Whether you are poolside, oceanside, or in a hammock, connect with your inner bookworm and pick up one of these books to really enjoy some summertime reading!
Please tell us in the comments – do you have a favorite book that you would add to this list?
Great list! I’m headed to the beach in a couple of weeks so it’s always good to go with some great books to read. Visiting from Creative Collection party.